Our innovation, development and technology transfer addresses the need for marine and coastal economy sectors to guarantee efficient use of resources to ensure the environmental, economic and social sustainability of their activity.

Bote pesquero pescando con redes en el mar

Our activity focuses on three fields of research:

Fisheries Management

At AZTI, we carry out research work in co-operation with the main European and worldwide fishing research centres to establish the scientific basis for the sustainability of marine environments and fishery resources. 

We contribute efficiently and equitably to the knowledge and integral assessment of the main species exploited by Basque fleets operating in seas and oceans around the world.

Our research work is conducted within the framework of international bodies such as ICCAT, IOTC, ICES/CIEM, NAFO, STEFC, etc., in which AZTI researchers are actively involved.

We participate actively in the drafting of the scientific guidance for management, on which the sustainable exploitation of fishery resources and activity is based, so that the respective administrations can establish management decisions and measures based on scientific knowledge of the state of the resources and the economy of the fleets.

 We focuse on three fields of activity:

  • Observation and data
  • Integrated assessment and management of living resources
  • Ecosystem approach to management
Fisheries Management

Fisheries Technologies

Efficiency of the fisheries sector in the sustainable exploitation of marine resources

At AZTI, we research technology alternatives to offer solutions that enable us to minimise fishing impact on the marine environment, improve operations on board fishing vessels and, particularly safety and occupational comfort at sea. We do this in close co-operation with the fisheries sector through research projects focused on three fields of activity:

  • Reduction of the environmental impact of extractive fishing
  • Fishing gear and its optimisation
  • Energy efficiency in the maritime-fishery sector
FISHERIES TECHNOLOGIES

Aquaculture

At AZTI, we look for alternatives to meet the growing demand for fish.

We create technological solutions for the sustainable development (economic, social and environmental) of marine aquaculture.

Aquaculture
Josu Santiago
Josu Santiago

Sustainable Fisheries Management Coordinator (Tuna)

Conoce al equipo de AZTI
Barco pesquero navegando en el mar

Servicios

Productos

Proyectos

GERUNDIO

Development and Implementation of a sampling scheme to support the collection of biological samples and conduct analysis on these samples to provide improved estimates of age, growth and reproduction of tropical tunas, swordfish, and blue sharks for the Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC)
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redes de pesca

MENDES 2

Study and optimisation of the selectivity of the trawl network in the fishing grounds of the Bay of Biscay and the Northwest with a view to its optimisation within the framework of adaptation to the regulations on Landing Obligations
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molúscos de acuicultura

MUSSELS

Characterisation of mussel cultivation in the Basque Country's offshore ZPM (Mendexa) based on the capture of natural seeds and the generation of economic viability studies for producers
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redes de pesca

SUPERV

Optimisation of the survival of discards in the Basque Country's purse seine fleet within the framework of the Landing Obligation (LTO): Technological and operational factors
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puerto con veleros

DESMEN

Optimisation of the survival of discards in the Basque Country's purse seine fleet within the framework of the Landing Obligation (LTO): Technological and operational factors
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dispositivos selectivos en las redes de arrastre

MENDES

Comprehensive approach to minimising and managing unwanted catches (previously discards) by the Spanish fleet operating trawlers in the Gulf of Biscay and Northwest Iberian waters
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gestión pesquera

SIFINS

Stable Isotope signatures in dorsal FIn Spines as a non-invasive and non-lethal alternative to otoliths for reconstructing fish life and environmental history
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Casos de éxito

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A genetic method to assign bluefin tuna specimens

In collaboration with ICCAT, AZTI has developed a genetic method to assign bluefin tuna specimens to their corresponding stock. This method has now been integrated by ICCAT in its management strategy evaluation process.
contador_automatico_anchoas_azti_inser_robotica

Automatic counter for anchovies and small pelagics with artificial vision

Allows counting of anchovies or other species, as well as instantaneous calculation of grain or units per kilogram.
trazabilidad_genetica_sostenibilidad_pesquerias

Genetics to ensure sustainability and profitability of fisheries

We have worked on the delimitation of management units for bluefin tuna, anglerfish, bigeye tuna, skipjack tuna, mackerel and hake, improving the assessment of these fishery resources. These studies allow the definition of quotas that ensure the sustainable exploitation of fisheries
vehiculo marino autonomo

Itsasdrone: a new way of researching the sea surface

Together with the company Branka Composites we have developed a sea surface drone that works 100% with renewable energies and zero emissions, for oceanographic, meteorological or biological research; control activities by the marine authorities as well as for target monitoring.

mejillones de acuicultura en cuerda long line

First business aquaculture initiative for the production of open sea mussels in the Cantabrian Sea

We have carried out the development and analysis of biological, economic, environmental and social feasibility studies to produce open sea mussels in the Cantabrian Sea. Today it is already a reality that is marketed under the brand name Amarra.
banco de atunes

A "genetic birth certificate" to identify the origin of the bluefin tuna

This has been one of the main achievements obtained in an international research coordinated by AZTI, which has allowed the development of an advanced tool to determine where the bluefin tuna that cross the Atlantic come from and contribute to the sustainability of this species.
camara submarina

New 3D camera offers unprecedented underwater images

An underwater 3D camera developed by an international consortium in which AZTI participates provides divers, fish farmers and marine researchers with a new cost-effective and compact tool for obtaining high-resolution and long-range images, regardless of water conditions. It allows, among other aspects, the monitoring of fish populations in fish farms, the mapping of the seabed and the detection of garbage and pollution.

barco de pesca artesanal

Greater collaboration of the artisanal fleet with science

We have developed a low-cost device that allows us to collect your fishing data, moving towards a participatory management of the Basque artisanal fleet.
gestión pesquera sostenible de la anguila

Reference in the study of eel

We are leading an international project that will establish the necessary tools and methodologies to support the conservation and improvement of the eel population and its environment.
campaña abundancia de anchoa

Sustainable management of anchovy

Our scientific opinions have been key to ensuring that, with a precautionary approach, the anchovy is now in excellent health (Juvena and Bioman campaigns).

Experimental facilities (1 ha) for offshore aquaculture

Since 2011 we have been using long-lines for bivalve farming research and development in 50 m deep seabeds between Ondarroa and Lekeitio.
Innovacion_al_servicio_de_la_acuicultura

New feeds from food by-products

We have worked on new feeds for sole fattening, which are more economically and environmentally sustainable, based on vegetable, potato and brewer's yeast by-products as protein sources.
Eficiencia_energetica_ aplicada_al_ambito_maritimo_pesquero

Fuel savings

We helped fishing vessels to save 5% on fuel thanks to propeller changes and modification of diesel engines.
Mejora_selectividad_artes_ pesca_y_reduccion_descartes

Reducing discards

The technological innovations that we have developed have helped to improve the selection pattern of fishing gears and optimise their performance.
análisis ecosistemas marinos

MSC certification of Echebastar's ships

We have advised and followed up the whole process until the Basque tuna fishing company was certified in the skipjack tuna fishery in the Indian Ocean.

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